Bishop Fleming secures rescue deal for West Midlands-based retailer

Insolvency Practitioners from Bishop Fleming have confirmed the rescue of a West Midlands-based retailer of skateboards, scooters, skates, bikes and other related products, via the sale of its business and assets to an unconnected purchaser.

Skate Hut Ltd was established as one of the first independent retailers of Heelys footwear in the UK, and since developed into a leading provider of action sports equipment and apparel. The company principally operated as an e-commerce retailer in the UK, but with a global reach, serving customers all over the World. It also had a physical presence in two UK store locations.

The company’s turnover peaked in 2021 at £32.2m due to increased demand during the pandemic, with a workforce which grew to 126 by 2023, but turnover has since steadily declined.  

Bishop Fleming LLP’s Restructuring and Insolvency Team, led by Luke Venner, was approached in May 2025 to advise the company on its options in view of its significant cashflow challenges, and it was determined that an accelerated sale process via Administration was the most appropriate mechanism for protecting the business and affairs of the insolvent company. Interested parties and the wider market were then approached, with a view to agreeing a sale in principle within a short, two-week period.

The process became more challenging following the issuing of a creditor’s winding-up petition, which necessitated an Application to Court for the purpose of commencing the Administration process, and then facilitating the sale. The company and its corporate parent, Splat Holdings Limited, which held certain intangible assets and the primary interest in the two trading premises, latterly entered Administration on the 4 July 2025, which immediately preceded the successful sale. Luke Venner and Malcolm Rhodes of Bishop Fleming LLP were appointed Joint Administrators at this time.

Luke Venner, Restructuring and Insolvency Partner, said: 

“Following a short but concerted, nationwide marketing process, which culminated in negotiations with five interested parties, we are delighted to confirm the sale of the business and assets of both Skate Hut Ltd and Splat Holdings Limited to an unconnected purchaser for an undisclosed sum. Retail insolvencies have been a prominent feature in recent years, with numerous high-profile cases highlighting the challenges faced by this sector, so we are especially pleased to see this business continuing under different ownership. The sale preserves the jobs of Skate Hut’s large workforce, whilst also offering protection to all customers with unfulfilled orders.”

An important note for customers

If you have a claim against Skate Hut Ltd – In Administration for an unfulfilled order(s), you are classed as a consumer creditor. Whilst you are not prevented from submitting a claim against the Company in Administration, on present information we advise that there is no prospect of a dividend to ordinary unsecured creditors. We would therefore urge you to consider the following options for redress in the first instance:

1.    If you have ordered products which have not been delivered, we would expect the buyer of the business and assets to contact you directly in due course; however, you may wish contact them directly to discuss your position and options
2.    Alternatively, you may wish to contact your card provider to request a refund, if appropriate

You may be asked to provide a copy of our appointment documentation as part of this process, for which a copy can be found here.

SkatePro UK Ltd by email sales@skatehut.co.uk or write to Amber Way, Halesowen, B62 8AY.